How long can I maintain small entity status after it’s established?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-09 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. Once small entity status is established in an application or patent, you can continue to pay fees as a small entity until the issue fee is due or any maintenance fee is due. This is stated in 37 CFR 1.27(g)(1) : ‘Once small entity status is established in an application or patent, fees as a small entity may thereafter be paid in that application or patent without regard to a change in status until the issue fee is due or any maintenance fee is due.’ Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Refunds for Payment Errors Required MPEP 509 Fees Must Be Paid In Advance For Patent Actions MPEP 509 Required Fees Must Be Clearly Itemized for Each Application MPEP 509 Required Unitemized Fees Must Be Returned MPEP 509 Required Resubmission of Returned Fees Not Subject to §1.5(a) MPEP 509 Fees Must Be Paid in US Dollars MPEP 509 Required Payment Must Be in Specific Forms MPEP 509 Permitted Money Orders Must Be Payable to Director MPEP 509 Required Checks Payable to Commissioner Still Accepted MPEP 509 Foreign Payments Must Be Negotiable In U.S. MPEP 509 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can international applicants claim micro entity status based on gross income? Can an institution of higher education itself claim micro entity status? How is an &#8216;institution of higher education&#8217; defined for micro entity status purposes? Does submitting a deficiency payment affect my micro entity status? Are there any fee reductions or waivers available for USPTO patent fees?